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“If you haven't trekked north into the frosty wastes of Granby, you're not only missing out on the Cambridge House Brew Pub's freakin' revelatory IPA. You're also missing Metacomet, whose long tenure there has "best-kept secret" written all over it. With just bass, drums, and vocals, they're one of the more unusual lineups at work in Connecticut right now. But their minimalist gear is hardly limiting. Jill O'Brien's vocals have a wonderful cut and fall to them, and her pipes are so strong that at times she held the microphone a full half-foot from her mouth. Likewise, her brother Joe O'Brien's bass fretwork is outlandish. Despite his aggressive playing style — it looks like a mix between Flea's neck-snapping funk and Ani DiFranco's ruthlessness — he weaves delicate, complex melodies. Their originals run the gamut from Tori Amos/New Order hybrids to dizzying 11/4 dervishes with competing vocals. Go see them." - Dan Barry, The Hartford Advocate
“Metacomet is an intense breath of fresh air." - Beef Stew, WCCC Radio
“The guitarless group's original sound is intellectual rock, an astral amalgamation of genres that hints at decades of music history, from '60s classics to '90s grunge. Haunting hints of rock legends like The Doors, Johnny Cash and Kate Bush as well as jazzy jam bands can all be extracted from the audio style on 'Over Wild'... Joe O'Brien uses his bass lines for more than just rhythmic effect; the instrument has a melodic role as well, and Keyes' percussion complements the arrangements nicely. Their talents are owed applause, as the liner notes mention that 'bass and drum tracks were recorded together, live, without overdubs or loop/echo effects.'
'Afterglow' and the Pearl Jam classic 'Daughter' embrace funky bass lines, reminiscent of vintage '80s bands like Talking Heads. 'The Promises' has more of a New Wave flair. 'Moondance' honors Van Morrison's classic without duplicating the master, while Jill O'Brien's ethereal vocals soften The Who classic 'Behind Blue Eyes.'
Metacomet is a refreshing twist to the local music scene, with is often overloaded with wannabe rock stars rehashing the same old stuff. Instead, the band reflects a respectable nod to the past with a big leap into the future." - The Waterbury Republican-American
“What a cool band format: bass, drums, vocals. Without feeling like they lack a thing,
this three-piece pounds out edgy adult alternative. Missing Fifths drummer Mike Keyes lays
down groove-laden drum tracks; meanwhile, Joe O’Brien understands that his bass is
pulling double-duty in the absence of a stronger melodic instrument, and he
obliges by keeping the excitement high. Lead singer (and Joe’s sister) Jill O’Brien’s
vocals are strong, but occasionally too operatic for a rock undertaking. Still, I
have to admit that I held my breath as they launched into a cover of “Moondance” —
and exhaled in surprise as they discovered some contemporary flourishes in
such an old song structure." - The Hartford Advocate
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